HC Deb 16 July 1968 vol 768 cc1247-8
Q2. Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

asked the Prime Minister why no consultations took place between himself and the Standing Commission on Museums and Galleries before the announcement of the Government's decision to abandon the plan to build the extension of the British Museum Library on the Bloomsbury site.

The Prime Minister

Consultation with the Standing Commission is a matter for my right hon. Friends with responsibilities in this field, Sir. In the case referred to by the right hon. Gentleman, the view of my right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for Education and Science was that the matter was not of such direct concern to the Standing Commission as to make advance consultation necessary. After the decision was announced, however, the Chairman of the Commission discussed these matters both with my right hon. Friend the then Secretary of State for Education and Science and the Chairman of the National Libraries Committee and offered to give all the assistance he could to the Committee in its work. I greatly welcome Lord Rosse's public spirited approach and his desire to help.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

The Standing Commission was appointed by the Prime Minister for the express purpose of giving advice on these subjects. Was it not highly discourteous, at the least, that it should be neither consulted nor even informed in advance of an important decision of this kind in the very field in respect of which it was set up to advise?

The Prime Minister

First, may I tell the right hon. Gentleman that I am glad to see him back after his accident. This Question has been waiting for a long lime because of his absence.

I am well aware of the feelings expressed on this matter. I have been into it carefully, and I am extremely glad that Lord Rosse and his Commission are co-operating fully in the work of the Dainton Committee. It is arguable whether or not it should have been told, but I have explained the circumstances.

Mr. Strauss

Is my right hon. Friend aware that Dr. Dainton's Committee, which was set up by the Government to consider the whole future of the National Library, is not prohibited by its terms of reference from recommending the Bloomsbury site? If it should do so, would he consider the whole question afresh?

The Prime Minister

That is another question, and no doubt it will be pursued if that perhaps hypothetical event should happen.